Chicago Crime Commission Applauds Cook County State's Attorney for state RICO prosecution
CHICAGO, Dec. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Chicago Crime Commission recognized Cook County State's Attorney Kim Fox and the men and women in her office for the successful prosecution of six Black Souls gang leaders. The conviction marked Cook County's first test of the Illinois Street Gang RICO Act, passed by the Illinois Legislature in 2012.
The seven-man, five-woman jury found six Black Souls bosses guilty of racketeering conspiracy and drug conspiracy. The jury also found the gang's leader and gang "vice-president" guilty of four murders. All six gang members face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
"The Chicago Crime Commission congratulates State's Attorney Kim Fox and her team who successfully prosecuted the Black Souls gang leaders," said J.R. Davis, Chairman and President of the Chicago Crime Commission. "We are particularly excited about their success in applying the Illinois Street Gang RICO Act, which was patterned after the federal Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organization (RICO) statute. Additionally, we are proud to be among those who advocated for the Illinois RICO bill re-authorization in 2017.
"This prosecution stands as an example of how to apply the Illinois RICO Law, and we are strongly encouraging other state's attorneys throughout Illinois to utilize this important crime fighting tool to dismantle entire gang networks," Andrew Henning, Vice-President and General Counsel of the Chicago Crime Commission said. "To assist in that effort, the Chicago Crime Commission will soon announce a new initiative to help educate law enforcement and prosecutors on how to apply Illinois RICO laws when prosecuting street gangs at the state level," he concluded.
Contact:
John Pastuovic
312-925-9092
SOURCE Chicago Crime Commission
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